Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyer

Being accused of a crime in Dallas can feel scary and confusing. Whether it’s a small charge like a misdemeanor or a serious one like a felony, the situation can turn your life upside down. You might worry about jail time, fines, or what this means for your future. The good news? You don’t have to face it alone. At the Gallian Firm, we offer a free guide called What to Expect When Facing Criminal Charges in Dallas to help you understand your rights and take the right steps. This blog post will break down what you need to know about criminal charges, how a lawyer can help, and why acting fast matters. Let’s dive in.

Understanding Criminal Charges in Dallas

Criminal charges come in two main types in Texas: felonies and misdemeanors. Felonies are the more serious ones. They include things like theft of valuable items, drug possession, or fraud. Texas splits felonies into five groups: capital felonies (the most serious, like murder), first-degree, second-degree, third-degree, and state jail felonies. The punishment depends on the crime and your past record. For example, a felony theft charge for items worth between $2,500 and $30,000 could lead to jail time or fines, but a good lawyer might get it dropped.

Misdemeanors are less serious but still a big deal. They’re divided into Class A, Class B, and Class C. Something like a first-time DWI (driving while intoxicated) is often a Class B misdemeanor. The catch? You only have two years to be charged for a misdemeanor. After that, the law says it’s too late to punish you. Punishments for misdemeanors can include fines, community service, or short jail time. For kids under 18, the juvenile system focuses more on helping them learn and grow, not just punishing them. Juvenile records are usually kept private, unlike adult records, unless the crime is very serious, like a sex offense.

Why You Need a Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyer

Going through a criminal charge is tough. The legal system moves fast, and prosecutors often push for the harshest penalties. That’s where a Dallas criminal defense lawyer comes in. They do a lot to protect you. First, they explain the law in a way that makes sense. Laws can be tricky, and a good lawyer breaks down what you’re facing, what defenses you have, and what might happen if you’re convicted. They stay updated on laws by taking classes every year, so they know the latest rules.

Second, a lawyer will tell you not to talk to the police without them. This is a big one. Police are trained to ask questions that might trick you into saying something that hurts your case. Even if you’re innocent, talking without a lawyer can backfire. A lawyer acts like a shield, making sure your words aren’t twisted. They also know how to handle the legal process, like filing papers or getting evidence from the police. This helps them build a strong case early on.

Another thing a lawyer does is check if the police or prosecutors broke any rules. For example, if they got evidence in a way that violates your rights, a lawyer can ask a judge to throw it out. They also know how to talk to prosecutors to get a better deal, like reducing charges or getting you into a program that could lead to a dismissal. In Dallas, each county has different programs, and a lawyer knows which ones might work for you.

Types Of Criminal Charges We Handle

When you need a strong defense against criminal charges in Texas, you can rely on our experienced defense lawyers. We provide comprehensive legal representation for clients facing a wide range of criminal offenses.

Assault

Assault charges involve causing bodily harm or threatening harm to another person. We work to challenge the prosecution’s evidence, examine self-defense claims, or reduce the charges to lesser offenses, minimizing the impact on your future.

Burglary

Burglary involves entering a building with the intent to commit a crime. Our team defends against charges by scrutinizing evidence of intent and unlawful entry, aiming for case dismissal or reduction of penalties.

Detective Calls

If you’ve been contacted by a detective, it’s important to remain silent and seek legal advice immediately. We help protect your rights during these initial calls and provide guidance on how to proceed.

Drug Charges

Drug charges can range from simple possession to trafficking. We work tirelessly to challenge evidence and explore options for reduced charges, focusing on minimizing penalties or avoiding conviction.

Domestic Violence / Family Violence

Domestic violence charges often carry serious consequences. We defend clients accused of physical abuse, emotional abuse, or threats, looking for inconsistencies in the claims and protecting your rights throughout the process.

DUI / DWI Defense

Being charged with DUI or DWI can have serious implications, including license suspension and fines. We examine evidence like breathalyzer results, field sobriety tests, and arrest procedures to create a robust defense strategy.

Expunging Your Record

A criminal record can affect your future. We assist clients with the expungement process, working to have charges or convictions removed from your record, improving opportunities in employment, housing, and more.

Federal Crimes

Federal crimes are prosecuted more aggressively, often carrying harsher penalties. We have experience defending clients against crimes like fraud, drug trafficking, and conspiracy, focusing on minimizing the damage and protecting your rights.

Fraud

Fraud charges involve deception for personal or financial gain. We defend against accusations of wire fraud, credit card fraud, and identity theft by challenging evidence and negotiating potential reductions in charges.

Felony Charges

Felony charges can carry long-term consequences. Our defense strategies focus on mitigating the severity of the charges, using all available legal tools to reduce penalties, avoid prison time, or seek a favorable plea deal.

Guns & Weapons Charges

Weapons charges are serious and can lead to heavy fines or imprisonment. We defend clients accused of illegal possession, carrying firearms without a permit, or using weapons during a crime, fighting to protect your rights and minimize penalties.

Internet Crimes

With the rise of online activities, internet crimes such as hacking, identity theft, and online fraud are more common. We provide effective defense for internet crimes, challenging digital evidence and offering solutions to avoid severe penalties.

Motion to Revoke Probation

If you violate probation, a motion to revoke probation could lead to jail time. We help clients with strong defenses, demonstrating compliance or challenging the revocation to keep them out of jail and on track with their probation.

Misdemeanors

Misdemeanors may seem less severe than felonies, but they can still lead to jail time, fines, and a criminal record. Our goal is to reduce misdemeanor charges and avoid the long-term consequences that can come with a conviction.

Murder / Manslaughter

Murder and manslaughter charges are among the most serious criminal cases. We aggressively defend clients by challenging evidence, identifying flaws in the prosecution’s case, or seeking lesser charges where possible.

Sex Crimes

Accusations of sex crimes can carry lifelong consequences. We defend clients against charges like sexual assault, exploitation, or harassment, working to protect your reputation and ensure a fair trial.

How We Protect Your Rights

When you’re charged with a crime, you have rights. The law says you’re innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Our job is to make sure that happens. We build a defense that fits your situation. Maybe the evidence against you isn’t strong, or maybe the police made a mistake. We dig deep to find out. We’ve won thousands of dismissals and not-guilty verdicts by doing this.

For example, if you’re facing a drug charge, we look at how the police found the drugs. If they searched you without a good reason, we can challenge that in court. If you’re accused of a violent crime, we might gather witnesses or show the jury your side of the story. For federal charges, like fraud or money laundering, we use our experience to counter the government’s case. Every case is different, so we create a plan just for you.

Juvenile vs. Adult Charges

The justice system treats kids and adults differently. For adults, the focus is on punishment and keeping the public safe. That means jail, fines, or probation. Adult criminal records are public unless you get them sealed or erased, which isn’t easy. For kids under 18, the juvenile system is about rehabilitation. The goal is to help them learn from their mistakes and build a better future. Juvenile facilities are designed to be safe and teach skills, not just punish.

However, serious juvenile crimes, like those requiring sex offender registration, can lead to adult-level consequences. We defend kids facing charges like underage drinking, drug possession, or assault. Keeping their records private is a big priority, so they can move forward without a criminal past holding them back.

Why Acting Fast Matters

When you’re facing a criminal charge, time is not on your side. The sooner you get a lawyer, the better. Prosecutors start building their case right away, so you need someone on your side to act fast. A lawyer can start gathering evidence, filing motions, or talking to prosecutors before your case goes too far. This can make a big difference, like getting charges dropped or reduced early on.

Speak With Our Dallas Criminal Attorneys

Facing a criminal charge in Dallas doesn’t have to ruin your life. With the right lawyer, you can fight back and protect your future. The Gallian Firm is here to help with over 3,000 cases handled and thousands of dismissals and not-guilty verdicts. Call us at (214) 432-8860 for a free, private consultation, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Locations We Serve

• Balch Springs
• Bishop Arts District
• Cedar Crest
• Cedars
• Celina
• Cockrell Hill
• Coppell
• Dallas
• Deep Ellum
• DeSoto
• Farmers Branch
• Highland Park
• Kaufman
• Kessler
• Knox-Henderson
• Lancaster
• Love Field
• Oak Cliff
• Oak Lawn
• Southlake
• Trinity Groves
• Trophy Club
• University Park
• Wynnewood